"What is it?" Her question hung in the dense air. Her arms tightened around Michiru's waist, pulling her closer.

"Haruka?"

The blonde could feel Michiru pulling away; she could feel herself become detached. No. That won't do, not after this. Haruka clenched her jaw and pressed her forehead with her lover's. "Tell me. What is it, love?" Haruka felt the brush of Michiru's fingers on her heated skin; she felt the hesitation— the fear. Haruka hated that. Michiru should never be afraid of her, not in the slightest.

And then, a frantic knock on the door tore away the tension and the silence.

Haruka's eyes grew wide, yet her grip on Michiru did not falter. It grew tighter as she turned towards the sound. "How dare they." A growl escaped her chest, yet Michiru's soft hands smoothed it down upon her breast. "What time is it?" She asked her attention back to the woman in her arms.

"It's early. Sun's up." Michiru sighed and pulled away from Haruka. "Who is it?"

"It's Anton, ma' am."

Haruka frowned. "Who?"

Michiru shrugged. "I have no idea who that is."

Haruka patted the bed around her, searching for something to cover her naked body. Michiru seemed to notice so she quickly grabbed Haruka's hand and made her touch a soft silk shirt.

"Put this on. I will get the door."

Haruka nodded and tried her best to put on the blouse without Michiru's help.

The knock came again, and with it, Haruka's lack of patience. "I will tear the fucking door off its hinges."

"You will not do such a thing."

Haruka heard Michiru's footsteps head towards her, yet she didn't feel her touch. Instead, she listened as the younger woman opened the door.

"Anton." Michiru said the name as if registering it in her head. Haruka decided that whoever Anton was, wasn't going to harm them.

"Your highness," Michiru called out, turning her attention to Haruka. "This is the boy who received us when we arrived at New Neptune."

"What does he want?" Her voice clearly showed her annoyance at the interruption, more so since it was due to something that could've waited.

"Yui asked me to let you know that breakfast is ready and she wishes for both of you to join her."

Haruka's entire demeanor changed at the sound of Yui's name. The very thought of being in that woman's presence made her stomach knot. That woman and her audacity to ask Michiru to go back with her to her cabin… How dare she.

Now, Haruka knew she shouldn't let her agitation get the best of her. She shouldn't let her anger rise through her and burn at the back of her throat.

Michiru had no attachment to her. Michiru was not her lover, at least not in public; she wasn't her consort nor partner. Haruka wasn't even courting Michiru.

Her heart clenched. As they were now, they were way past the courting. They had moved to be lovers and open about their attraction when they were behind closed quarters, to wanting each other and having each other every chance they could.

As if Michiru had heard her thoughts, the Neptunian's hands moved over Haruka's soft cheek, tenderness palpable through her fingertips.

Being mad when Michiru was around was hard… Haruka melted into the sweet caress, closing her eyes and lowering her tense shoulders.

"Don't," Michiru whispered. "I can see you are over thinking."

"Am I?" Haruka tilted her head further, her lips coming to find Michiru's warm palm. She kissed it and pressed it to her face. That welcoming warmth was all she needed. Michiru was here; she was touching her, everything was alright in the universe.

"Yes. You might not know it, your highness, but you do wear your heart on your sleeve."

The soft rumbling emanating from Haruka's chest slowly turned into a deep chuckle. Reluctantly, Haruka pulled away from Michiru's hand and spoke. "We better get going. I don't want that woman to burst into the room."

Michiru agreed silently, lowering her hand to the edge of Haruka's shirt. She tucked them inside her pants, fixed the buckle, and patted her down. Then she rolled up the sleeves up to the elbows, exposing the strong forearms the queen wielded. Finally, her fingers ran over blonde hair, combing it. The queen of Uranus must always look as she was in Michiru's eyes; perfect.

A butter knife could cut the tension in the room. Although breakfast was delicious, Michiru's eyes drifted from the empty plates to Yui and then to Haruka. The Queen's features were unreadable, while Yui's amusement could not be contained as it showed in the form of a subtle smirk.

Michiru was irked by that but opted to pay no mind to it and imitated Haruka's lack of emotions. The least she wanted to do was give Yui a speck of hope of ever getting into her bed. Michiru scoffed at how absurd the idea was. After giving herself to the queen the first time, Michiru couldn't even imagine being intimate with anyone but her. No one could ever awaken anything inside of her as Haruka did…

"Is the awkward silence entertaining to you, seashell?" Yui asked, lifting her mug and having a sip of coffee.

Haruka's grip on her folded white cane grew tight, and both Yui and Michiru noticed. Michiru was sure the Queen reacted that way to Yui's adorable nickname. Of course, Haruka would respond to it. She might take it as some kind of disrespect, but commenting on that would confirm she was indeed somehow attached to Michiru.

"Yui, please. Call me Michiru—"

"Representative also works," Haruka interjected, her knuckles white.

Yui set her gaze on Michiru, arched an eyebrow, and shrugged. "Let me use 'Michiru' then. It sounds much less formal than 'representative'."

"Where should we start?" Haruka spoke sternly. If she was planning on not being obvious about her discomfort to Yui's presence, she was failing miserably at it.

"Wherever Michiru wants." A wide and perfect smile spread across her face as she turned her attention to Michiru. "Did you have something in mind?"

Michiru shifted uncomfortably in her chair as she nodded. "I want to see all the roads that lead in and out of New Neptune as well as the ones inside the settlement. I've noticed they are not in the best state."

Yui nodded. "Done. What else?"

"The housing structures. What materials are you using?"

"Not the best. We have been recycling from broken down houses. As soon as one is destroyed after a sandstrom, we demolish and reuse what we can. It is hard to get construction materials with the roads as they are."

Michiru nodded, tutted, and took out her notebook. "Do you need construction materials?"

"Yes. New ones if possible. We are not asking for the best ones but definitely new. We have survivors that used to work as engineers back in Neptune. They can make the best out of anything really."

Haruka bumped her shoulder with Michiru. "What about food? Where do you get your food source?"

"We have a small farm near the lakes. We use the water to keep it growing yet we encourage our people to grow their own food."

Michiru nodded and wrote it all down in her notebook. "Can we go see it?"

The cabins in New Neptune were small. Most of them only had two bedrooms with a communal bathroom for every three houses. To Michiru, it wouldn't be a problem except that now when there was daylight, she could see how many people were in the settlements. She thought a population of a hundred, maybe two hundred, turned out to be approximately two thousand.

There were a lot of children in New Neptune. Young kids with different shades of aqua hair ran around the broken down roads of the settlements, laughing and oblivious to their surroundings. Having lots of young kids was a positive thing, yet, it broke Michiru's heart. They didn't deserve to be living like that compared to the Uranian children. This place won't do for them.

"There are a lot of children here," Michiru commented as they continued walking.

Yui couldn't help but give Michiru a sly smile. "We got busy as soon as we settled down."

Michiru nodded at the remark. " Do you have a doctor amongst you?"

"No."

Michiru's eyes went wide as she followed Yui close behind. Michiru felt Haruka's grip on her shoulder tighten. "You don't? How do you care for the sick? The children?"

"We don't get sick so often. The lakes provide us with all the medicinal necessities. We are not violent, so we don't injure one another. If we do get injured or a woman is about to give birth…" Yui trailed off, turned to Michiru before giving Haruka a glance. "My brother used to bring his lover. As an Asclepius worshiper, I decided she could come in handy."

"The castle maid?" Haruka asked, already knowing the answer but wanting to confirm it.

"You are correct, your highness." Yui chuckled and shrugged. "I think she is the only Uranian I can stand."

"Because she is Tasuki's lover?" Michiru asked.

"No. I will never forgive my brother for fucking an Uranian. I stand by her because she can heal." Yui answered, stopping at one of the small communal gardens. She let out a loud sigh before moving her hand theatrically. " We have over thirty of these. We do need some watering system to help them grow. The earth on this planet is as dry and barren as an old woman's cunt. We do gather water when it rains…or should I say if it rains."

Michiru turned to face Haruka. The queen's upper lip twitched with annoyance as she slipped her hand off Michiru. "Jupiter has an excellent watering system. They have used it over many years on their farms and crops. I know our weather is not the best, especially if you're out here. But we can come up with something to help you. We are on good terms with that planet, so I can ask them for some blueprints of their system," Haruka explained.

"How long will it take?"

"Give or take? Two months. After that is all about getting the water you need." Haruka sighed, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath through her nose.

Michiru frowned and turned her entire body to face the queen. "Your highness?"

"You can't use the lake as your water source, but…" Haruka lowered herself to the ground. Her fingers dug into the sand, deep into the earth, until only her knuckles were visible. Michiru watched quietly as Haruka's fingers disappeared under the sand. After two heartbeats passed, the queen spoke deep and somewhat breathless. " There is water under this land." Haruka raised her head; the morning sun shone upon her feminine features, as specks of gold shone through her hair.

"How do you know this?" Michiru asked, her eyes filled with confusion while Yui's gaze was concentrated on Haruka's face.

Haruka stood straight; as she did, she patted her hand with her thigh, dusting the sand off her fingers. "I am the tether of the God Uranus with the planet. I can feel everything that this planet goes through, including where the water is."

Yui narrowed her eyes at the Queen. " If it is as you say, why did they never tell us?"

"They?"

"The late Queen Ayame? The General?"

Haruka frowned at the mention of her mother and Sasuke. " I cannot speak for them… They do not have the connection I have." She paused. "I can speak for myself and the decisions that I will make regarding this place from now on."

Yui grunted and crossed her thick arms over her chest. "You still act as if you rule here."

"Yui. You are still stepping on Uranian sand. This," Haruka swirled her index finger. " This is my planet. I am the ruler. As you step on Uranian land you must abide by my rules. Now I do know my family has not been fair with yours, or your people. But I am here to rectify those mistakes."

Although Haruka wasn't exactly looking down at her, Yui couldn't hold her stare at the queen of Uranus. Her cobalt eyes trailed down the ground before raising her stare to Michiru's. "Thank you. We have lived in the dark long enough."

"That will change. I assure you," Michiru said, interrupting Haruka as the blonde opened her mouth to talk.

Yui nodded. "I really hope so. Not for my sake, but for the kids. They deserve better."

"We can all agree on it." Haruka said, flashing Yui an encouraging smile.

Yui chuckled and placed her hands on her waist. "We do need seeds though. We would like to broaden our crops and foods."

"Done. I will tell my agriculture expert to bring in as much seed as you need after we build the watering system."

"What about our lakes?"

Michiru rubbed her temples. "I would call them ponds."

"Whichever." Yui huffed.

" I will leave that to you, Michiru. I haven't seen them. I will do whatever you wish to do." Haruka said, her hand moving towards the young Neptunian. Michiru quickly grabbed her hand and placed it back on her shoulder. "Is there anything else?"

"Schools. We need a school, a bigger square to trade goods."

"Let's fix the roads and get the goods before looking for a way to trade them." Michiru interjected before moving to touch Yui's forearm. "One day at a time."

Yui grinned and patted Michiru's arm. "I am sorry if there is not much entertainment that I can bring you today. As you can see," she pointed over to the square. "We are getting ready for the Night of the Nymph."

Michiru raised her eyebrow and turned to look over Yui's shoulders. Indeed, there were a couple of musicians talking while holding their instruments. There were a lot of drums and a couple of violins which piqued Michiru's curiosity. She wondered if they were built the same way as the one her mother gave to her. She bit her lower lip, and Yui noticed enough to turn to the musicians and then back at Michiru.

"Do you play?" Yui asked, referring to the violins.

"I do, actually."

"Huh! You are a Neptunian afterall. We are all blessed when it comes to the arts." She chuckled.

Haruka slipped her arm from Michiru's shoulder to the middle of her back and pushed her slightly away. "Go talk to them."

"What? No, that would be awkward."

"Not at all!" Yui interjected and shrugged. "They would be more than happy to gush about their skills. Go!"

Haruka shoved her softly. "Go, Michiru."

Michiru's gaze moved from Yui to Haruka and back to Yui. She inhaled deeply and fixed her blouse before exhaling. "Alright then. I will be right back."

Haruka listened as Michiru's steps became distant. She stood there awkwardly before hearing Yui's deep chuckle.

"What is it?" Haruka snapped.

"Oh, nothing."

"You laugh at nothing?"

"It wasn't a laugh really. I was just taking in the scenery."

Haruka frowned deeply and crossed her arms over her chest, her muscles out on full display. "What scenery?"

Yui licked her lower lip and turned to look at Michiru. "It is such a shame that you are blind, your highness."

A deep growl rolled through Haruka's chest.

"Oh yes. It is a shame that you aren't able to see the way her hips sway. The way her ass looks with every single step she takes and her breast." Yui hissed theatrically. "The way they bounce. Not to mention, she leaves little to the imagination with how tight her blouse is. I can see the outline of every single curve and every single detail. Neptunian clothing fits her perfectly." She groaned. "She is absolutely beautiful."

"I would watch the next thing that comes out of your mouth, Oboshi. I will not tolerate any disrespect coming from you towards the Representative of New Neptune." Haruka leaned towards where she thought Yui was and added. "Do not forget who I am, why I am here."

Yui arched her brow, the grin on her face still painted on her lips as she scooted closer to Haruka. "My apologies. Yet, I can't help but be curious about some things."

"Like?"

"How in the world did a Neptunian end up being your seeing-eye dog."

"Oboshi." Haruka growled a warning. "Assistant," she rectified the title.

"Assistant…" Yui corrected, but as Haruka didn't answer her question, she continued pushing. "Now, now, your highness. I don't mean it in a disrespectful way. I am truly intrigued."

Haruka took a deep breath as she thought about answering Yui's question. "Before her death, my mother hired her to care for me." She stopped and waved her hand in front of her eyes.

Yui tutted, the gesture sounding more like a tease than actually feeling sorry for Haruka. Not like she wanted her pity. Haruka believed she had been able to live out her reality well enough, but that didn't matter. What mattered was Yui's condescending behavior towards her, and although Haruka has been able to manage her anger well for the past couple of weeks, she wanted nothing more than to smash Yui's face against something.

"Is there a problem?"

"Well, not to me." Yui answered before letting out yet another theatrical sigh. "You have never feast your eyes on Michiru's beauty, not even once?"

Haruka swallowed hard, her throat tight as she felt a distinctive emptiness in her chest she had been trying to avoid ever since her lips first touched Michiru's. Never in her life had she wanted something as much as being able to see her lover, to see how she looked when she smiled when she laughed, how she looked when she was sleeping when she bathed. Haruka let out a growly breath as her mind wandered at the sounds coming from Michiru whenever they were together… She wished to have an image attached to those noises, to the touch of her skin.

She hated the answer she was about to give Yui but knew the imprudent woman would not let it go. "No. I haven't."

"Oh damn, I am so sorry to hear that."

"You better listen and listen well to what I am about to say, Oboshi. I am not going to repeat myself. I have a feeling you are putting all of Michiru's values on her looks. My mother had reasons for putting her as my assistant when I lost my sight, yet she has slowly escalated within the castle's servitude thanks to her abilities and knowledge. She has done nothing but an outstanding job. That's why she is standing before you as your Representative. She has shown me she is a capable worker that fulfills her duties, any duties satisfactorily."

Yui chuckled again, and Haruka's stomach turned in on itself.

"I can see she has fulfilled her duties very satisfactorily. Tell me, does her job description include being your sex slave?"

Haruka's shoulder tensed. "What?"

"Cut the bullshit and admit that you like using her for your own personal gain."

"Oboshi."

"Does using a Neptunain girl as your fuck toy makes you feel as if you have more power over us? That we are inferior and should only be used to benefit the crown? How does it feel to be so power hungry?"

"I really suggest you shut the fuck up, Oboshi."

"It bothers you doesn't it? For someone like me to spit the truth?"

"Michiru is not my whore."

"Then there will be no problem if she stays here rather than go back to the castle with you, correct?"

Haruka blinked and took a step back. The thought had not crossed her mind, not even once. Her relationship with Michiru, although secret, was...stable, right? She shook her head and turned her head the moment she heard the soft and sensual sound of a violin being played in the distance. Haruka didn't need to look to know that the person playing the violin was Michiru. Her Michiru…

Haruka's upper lip twitched at the sudden realization of her feelings, especially the possessive ones running through her at the thought of having her lover pulled away from her arms and into the ones of someone like Yui. She suppressed her threatening growl and uncrossed her arms from her chest.

"If Michiru wishes to stay here," Haruka began, her voice faltering as she tried to finish her sentence. "If she wants to stay here I will not oppose it."

"Good. Because regardless of her job to you or the Uranian crown, she is a Neptunian, she belongs here. I mean, she can still be the Representative, all she needs is a messenger. Tartarus, I can be her messenger if that's fine with her." Yui shrugged.

She belongs with me. "Whatever she wants, she gets." Haruka said, turning away from Yui. "I wish to head back to the cabin."

Yui snickered as she turned to Michiru. The younger woman's eyes were closed as she dipped forward, the bow of the violin gliding through strings. The lustrous song filled the square with a distinctive and gorgeous aura. The other musicians were standing in awe as they saw her play.

Shortly after, the song abruptly stopped, and Michiru's eyes opened with a glint of contentment. She saw Haruka facing away from her and figured it was time to head back. She walked in stride back to the other two women, her smile quickly vanishing as she sensed Haruka's displeasure.

"Is everything alright?" She asked, lazily placing her hand on Haruka's back.

"Yes. Your highness wishes to head back to the cabin. I think she is tired."

Michiru nodded at that and decided it was better not to ask Haruka what was troubling her, not in front of Yui.

"Do you wish to go back to the cabin, your highness?"

Haruka's voiceless answer came in the form of a nod. Michiru didn't push her to say more; she grabbed her callused hand and placed it on her shoulder. Before they left, she turned to Yui. "Thank you for today."

Yui grinned. "It was my pleasure, seashell…"

Nighttime passed by in deafening silence, in awkward touches and angry huffs. Haruka and Michiru ate in the House of Arago, to Michiru's displeasure but Haruka's suggestion. The queen had said she had enough socializing for the day and told Michiru that she was more than welcome if she wished to eat with Yui at House of Proteus.

Michiru declined over and over again and confirmed she wanted to spend her evening with Haruka. Tomorrow morning, they would visit the ponds or lakes (depending on the person looking at the bodies of water) and somehow determine what to do with it. Haruka was quiet; she was sitting on the living room sofa, eyes closed, and more than once, Michiru thought her blonde lover was sleeping. It was nerve-racking, and Michiru had enough of it.

"What's wrong?"

Haruka opened her yellow orbs to nothing and answered, "What do you mean?"

"You've been quiet all afternoon."

"Have I?"

Michiru slanted her head and frowned. "Yes. Did something happen between Yui and you?" She did not answer, the dead silence being louder than the words she didn't want to say. "Haruka."

The queen's eyes moved to where Michiru stood, which was unsettlingly accurate to the Neptunian's position. It sent a chill down Michiru's spine, and she tried her best to hide the ragged breath escaping her lungs.

"I am jealous." Haruka whispered into the cold air in the room.

"Jealous? What do you mean? Why are you jealous?"

Haruka grimaced, not wanting to answer that question. "I am jealous of Yui."

"Yui?" Michiru snorted dramatically. "Please!"

"It's not that I am jealous of the attention she might get from you."

"If any…"

Haruka waved her hand, asking Michiru to be quiet. "Ever since I lost my vision, I have had to deal with the fact that I am missing things."

"Missing?"

Haruka nodded. "I miss watching the sunrise and sun down on my planet. I miss seeing the face of my people working at Ophelia Plaza. I miss how Ophelia City looked when I looked from outside my balcony. There was something magical about seeing all the flickering lights disappearing into the night as people settled to sleep." Haruka scratched her neck awkwardly. "But today, I was talking to Yui and she started saying some things which, I have to say, bothered me."

"Like?"

Haruka's face contorted in pain; she covered her eyes with her left hand, rubbing her eyebrows in exasperation. "When you went to talk to the musicians, she started to describe you… telling me all the things I am missing; things I am not seeing, of you…"

"And that bothered you?"

"Of course it did! Imagine that bitch having the privilege to look at you! I wish I could just scoop her eyes out of her sockets."

"Haruka!"

"It's…" she sighed and slumped on the sofa. "It's not fair."

Michiru nibbled her lower lip then patted her knees before standing up. The wood underneath her feet groaned as she made her way towards Haruka. Standing before the queen, she moved Haruka's hands away from her lap and slowly settled herself in it. She wrapped her arms around the blonde's torso and rested her head on her broad shoulder. "I am sorry you feel that way."

Haruka sighed under the welcoming warmth and weight. She cradled the younger woman closer and pressed her nose to Michiru's temple, letting herself be engulfed by that particular sea scent which drove her mad with need. "Don't be."

"You shouldn't be jealous though," Michiru whispered, one hand moving to grab Haruka's thick wrist. "Want to know why?"

Haruka grunted and squeezed Michiru's body tighter. "Why is that?"

"She can look all she wants but you," she took Haruka's heavy hand and placed it over her left breast. "You, your highness, can touch." With a sly smirk, Michiru squeezed Haruka's hand tighter over her chest, earning a deep groan from the queen.

Haruka's body tensed, and Michiru could feel Haruka's breath hitched as her calloused hand gripped her tighter. "I can touch you?"

Michiru nodded, but rather than voicing her answer; she pulled Haruka's face down to capture her lips in a heated kiss. "Touch, kiss—"

"Lick, suck, bite."

Michiru chuckled into the kiss, heat scourge through her, settling low on her stomach. "Yes, you can do all that."

"How about fuck?"

"Definitely, fuck." Michiru sighed, a soft moan escaping her mouth as Haruka's hand dipped to cup her bottom.

"Mmmm," Haruka pulled her in for another kiss, spreading her legs, so Michiru was nestled between her thighs, legs straddling Haruka's waist. "Speaking of fucking." Haruka bit her lower lip and then grinned. "I brought something from the castle that you might just enjoy."

Michiru arched her eyebrow. "Oh?"

Haruka nodded, her hands moving from gripping Michiru's ass to slowly rubbing her back.

"Oh!" Realization washed over her, as well as a jolt of excitement. "Wait! How?"

"You were resting before we left for the trip. I managed to get it and slip it inside my bag."

"Slip it inside, huh?"

Haruka's grin grew wider. "That's right."

"It would be a shame not to put it to good use. Won't it?"

With a dip of her chin, Haruka stood from the sofa as Michiru wrapped her legs around her waist. "Let's put it to good use, love."

As the sun hid over the horizon, the flickering lights of torches began to fill in the settlement square.

The square was nothing compared to Ophelia Plaza or the court at the outside of Oberon castle. It was small and contained, rustic because the ground was not paved with small rocks like Ophelia. The preparations yesterday ended with large logs placed around a large blazing fire. As minutes passed, children and their parents began to gather around, taking up the space around the logs and torches.

The day before, Yui showed off the lakes to both Haruka and Michiru; she told them what she needed to keep them in optimal conditions, then they shared a meal, and after that, Haruka and Michiru were left to enjoy the rest of the day as they saw fit. They mostly talked about the plans to bring forth the help New Neptune needed, and Michiru couldn't be happier with all the promises Haruka was making. It seemed like things were about to get better for her people...

Now, they were getting ready to attend the Night of the Nymph, a patron night which New Neptune had been adopting for quite some time now, according to Yui. It had been an attempt to continue the celebrations back on Neptune. Of course, it was nothing compared to the huge festivities back on their home planet, but it was something, and Michiru wouldn't miss it for anything in the world.

Michiru looked out from the window of House of Arago with childish fascination as people with drums, violins, and other musical instruments settled around the fire. From where she was standing, she could smell the delicious food brought and placed about the square. Michiru crossed her arms under her chest; her finger touched anxiously against her skin as she continued on her inspection.

There were so many people, and according to Yui, everyone would be present at Night of the Nymph. Michiru inhaled deeply and bit her lower lip at the thought. She hated roads and being around so many people, but then again, they were her people.

She lowered her gaze to the ground, ashamed.

"Nervous?"

Michiru jumped as Haruka's booming voice consumed the thick air of the room. She turned to the washroom, where she saw her come out rubbing her fingers through damp blonde hair. The queen was wearing a simple blouse, a dark slack, and her combat boots. Her sleeves were messily rolled up to her elbow. The white blouse was sticking to parts of her wet skin, and Michiru could only swallow hard as desire began to pool.

"I am. There are a lot of people out there."

Haruka grunted in approval and slowly made her way to the edge of the bed. "If you do not wish—"

" I do." Michiru didn't even let her finish her sentence. " I do, I feel like I have to."

"Michiru, you are not obligated to do this."

"I am…" Michiru whispered, biting her thumbnail. "Something out there is calling to me, and I am being pulled into it. I can't turn away, I can't just say no."

Haruka nodded. "I understand."

Michiru turned to Haruka and tried to ignore how beautiful she looked with her wet hair and calming smile. "You do?"

Haruka nodded. "When I was old enough to go, I always felt obligated to go out to the Moon Festivals outside of Oberon Castle. I didn't quite enjoy it."

"I know. I am almost positive we danced at one of those Festivals.

Haruka chuckled. "Probably. I danced with whoever pulled me in. I enjoyed the festivals, I loved being around my people and dancing with them. But after a while I just felt it more as a chore rather than an opportunity to be with them." Her shoulders slumped. "If you don't want to go, dont."

Michiru closed her eyes tightly and released the breath she was holding. Her steps echoed, as well as the groaning of the wooden floor underneath her pads. She stood before Haruka as she held her jaw. She moved Haruka's face until their eyes were somewhat connected. "I will go if you come with me."

Haruka sniffed her laughter; her eyes drifted shut as she relished on the softness of Michiru's hands. "Wherever you go, I go."

Michiru's lips curled into a soft smile. "Really?"

Haruka nodded her response. "I promise." Her large hands came to settle on Michiru's waist, pulling her close as she tilted her head, silently asking the Neptunian for a kiss.

Michiru couldn't deny her anything. She fisted short blonde hair and mashed her lips against Haruka's in a soft yet passionate kiss.

When Michiru walked down the stairs, she saw Haruka patiently waiting for her in the cabin's living space. She was sitting by the small fire, her elbows resting on her knees. The blonde automatically turned the second she heard the board of the stairs creak underneath Michiru's weight.

"Ready?" Michiru asked, her hand slipping to grab hold of Haruka's.

"If you are," Haruka answered, giving her fingers a tight squeeze before letting Michiru place her hand over her shoulder.

Michiru wore a dark blue sleeveless tunic, with a black girdle tied to her midriff and a deep cut down her cleavage, accentuating her large breast. Her long legs were covered down to her knees with a tight white pant white while calves-high boots protected her feet. She felt awkward. She had never worn full Neptunian clothing in her life, as she was always used to wearing Uranian clothing, which was much lighter than the one she was wearing now.

Haruka kept her Uranian clothing, light and simple; her silk blouse, dark slacks, and combat boots were all she needed to look beautiful.

Taking a deep breath, Michiru straightened her shoulders as she changed into the role of New Neptune's Representative and the Queen's helper. She opened the door and left the House of Arago.

The square was loud with life. Laughter and conversation filled the cold Uranian night with the warmth of family and friends. Kids ran around between the cabins and met up at the square to regroup and run off again. Musicians tuned their instruments as the conversation grew as more people approached.

Michiru felt her body tense the closer she got to the fire pit. She saw familiar faces she recognized from her meal with Yui when they had first arrived, but there were also new faces that stopped talking to stare at her as if remembering her from some other place.

If Haruka could feel her tension, she was doing an amazing job at hiding it. Michiru wasn't quite sure she was able to hide her nervousness. She threw all the protocol out the window as her hand fetched Haruka's and squeezed it over her shoulder.

A deep rumble escaped the blonde's chest, and it rolled through her body onto Michiru's. "My offer still stands." Haruka whispered, close to the curve of her ear. "We can go back to the cabin."

Michiru shook her head, her hair brushing against Haruka's face. "I will get over it." she whispered. "I will be fine."

Haruka grunted. "I am here. Say the word and we are gone."

A sudden jerk to her tunic made Michiru snap her gaze down. A child, no older than seven, grinned up at her. The child's smile was missing a couple of teeth; his hair was unruly, wild, and deep blue.

Michiru smiled back awkwardly. "Hi?"

"Are you a newcomer?"

Haruka arched her eyebrow. " A child?"

Ignoring Haruka's question, Michiru lowered herself to be at eye level with the child. "Hi. What's your name?"

"Coljar," the boy smiled.

"Coljar!" Michiru yelp. "That's a pretty name!"

"If you are a newcomer you have to come near the fire!" Coljar said, grabbing Michiru's hand and dragging her away from Haruka.

"Wait!" Michiru turned just in time to see the blonde raise her hand searching for her. "I will be right back!"

Haruka stood in her own darkness, surrounded by people walking around her. She heard many conversations but never paid attention to a single one. Michiru's scent was whisked away by the smell of food.

The blonde stood, afraid to move an inch, afraid to bump with something or someone. She moved her hand to her back and pulled out her white cane. She unfolded it, and although she felt the ground underneath her, she stood motionless…

Until she felt a hand clench her elbow. Haruka's body tensed as she jerked and moved to the side. "Who—"

"Don't just stand there. Come."

Yui's voice broke through the heavy conversations around Haruka. With a loud growl, she yanked her arm away from Yui's grip, staggering as she took a couple of unsure steps. "Do not put your hands on me."

Yui rolled her eyes. "I am sorry. I didn't want the almighty Queen to look like a dumb ass standing there."

"Why do you care?"

"I care 'cause…" she sighed and turned to Michiru, who was sitting amongst a group of musicians. They were showing her the violin while the young woman's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I don't want Michiru to worry about you. I want her to relax for the night and just enjoy herself rather than serve you like a dog."

Haruka's grip on the white cane grew tighter. "She serves me out of her own volition."

"Sure," Yui's terse answer stabbed Haruka's chest. "It has nothing to do with your title and the fact that you can give her anything she wants if she just fucks you the right way."

"You are lucky I am out in the open or I would've sucked the air out of your lungs." Haruka bared her teeth. "Michiru is not like that."

Yui sniffed and pushed Haruka aside as she walked over to the burning fire at the center of the square.

As Haruka was about to call out for Michiru, she felt a tug on her left leg. She frowned and dipped her chin to her chest as if looking down.

"Hi!"

Haruka tilted her head as she recognized the voice. "Coljar?" She lifted her face concentrating on all the voices around her. "Where is Michiru?"

"She is out with the musicians. Are you the queen of this planet?"

Haruka tutted and nodded.

"Oh. You don't look that powerful. You look lost. Can't you see me?"

Haruka shook her head at the boy. "I am blind."

"Oh!" Coljar fell silent; his tiny grip on Haruka's leg did not lessen, though. They stood there, awkwardly taking in their surroundings before he pulled at her pants again.

"Yes?" Haruka asked, mildly annoyed.

"Can we paint you?"

"Paint me?"

"Yes! Like, paint your face and arms. You have good arms."

Haruka tilted her head again and shrugged. "Will you make me look ugly?"

"Nah!"

Haruka scrunched up her nose and shrugged. "Well then. Take me to your people."

Coljar sneered, grabbed Haruka's index finger, which could easily fit his entire hand, and pulled her away to an unknown place. Haruka didn't have much choice but to follow him. She tried to hide her amusement as she heard him order everyone around them to move out of the way, because the Queen of Uranus and her champion Coljar needed space. Haruka smiled, calm and collected, as this tiny boy pulled her around by her finger until he casually ordered her to sit down. Closing her eyes, Haruka moved her free hand to feel her seat; once she did, she slowly sat down and figured she was by the fire pit. The warmth of the air carried the crispness of the burning wood along with the smell of carbon. Haruka still heard the tumultuous chattering around her but she suddenly felt a brand new pair of small hands on her shoulder, and she tensed.

"Coljar! She is perfect!"

Haruka raised her brow and turned her face to acknowledge the presence behind her.

"She is the queen!" Coljar said, releasing her finger and tugging on her shirt. "Hey, miss—"

"Haruka," she rectified.

"Haruka!" Coljar continued. "Can my friends help me out?"

Friends? How many are there? Haruka opened her mouth to talk, but she suddenly felt a cold and wet touch in the middle of her left hand. "What is this?"

"Lia! You can't just start out of nowhere. We need to come up with a design!" Coljar's annoyance was palpable, and Haruka could only laugh.

"How many of you are there, kid?"

Coljar grunted as he pulled himself to sit next to Haruka. "Lia is my baby sister. She is super annoying and doesn't talk much."

"I talk!" Haruka guessed it was Lia. She sounded much younger than Coljar, probably a couple of years younger. "I just—" She huffed. "You talk too much! I want to paint!"

"Lia is right, Coljar. You just like to talk too much." Another girl behind Haruka said while touching Haruka's broad shoulders again. "I am Kimmi, your highness. I am Coljar's and Lia's cousin."

Haruka nodded and then felt another wet dot painted on her hand, this time on her wrist. "Are you guys professionals?" She asked playfully.

"Eh!" Kimmi shrugged. "I could say I am. I've been doing this for six years now. Coljar and Lia want to imitate me."

"How old are you Kimmi?"

"I am fourteen. Coljar is eight and Lia is six." The young girl said before huffing. "You don't mind us painting you?"

Haruka laughed. " Whatever you do is fine. I won't be able to see it."

"Others will!"

"If they don't like it they can just close their eyes." Haruka tutted and shrugged. It was no secret in the kingdom. Haruka has always had a soft spot with children. During the Moon Festivals, she had no greater joy than to see the children have fun. The last time she partook in the celebrations, she had danced with a young boy and she enjoyed every single second of it.

Something about their innocence and thrust made Haruka's heart weak and drove her to protect them; Neptunian children were no different.

"Alright then!" Coljar celebrated while Lia painted a third dot on Haruka's middle finger.

"Your highness, are you wearing anything underneath your shirt?"

"Of course,"

"I think you would look great with some designs on your shoulders and arms." Kimmi said as she patted over

"And face!" Coljar added.

"And hands." Lia said, adding a fourth dot, this time on her middle finger.

Haruka snickered and shrugged. "Fine. You can use me as your canvas. I don't mind."

Therefore, Kimmi let out an excited squeal and moved away enough to give Haruka space to unbutton her blouse and slid it off her shoulders and arms, exposing them. Coljar and Kimmi grabbed their paint brushes excitedly. Lia pulled Haruka down to the ground, so it was easier for them to reach her tall form.

Within seconds, Haruka struggled from giggling and laughing at the soft strokes on her arms and shoulders as well as her face. She scrunched up her nose, her shoulders quivered, and the sound of happy and giggling children filled the air around her.

Michiru's attention shifted from the violin she was holding to Haruka's delectable laughter. She had heard her laughing before but never with the intensity as she was. Warmth spread through Michiru's chest and stomach as she watched the all mighty, growly, and scary Queen of Uranus, sitting on the floor, surrounded by children and having her arms and face painted with bright colors such as red, blue, and yellow. Absolutely terrifying. Michiru thought before handing back the violin she was holding.

As the musicians talked to her about the different songs they were playing, Michiru's eyes drifted away to Haruka.

The blonde was sitting, legs crossed underneath her, her naked arms rested on her thighs as Coljar, Kimmi, and Lia ran their brushes over her muscular arms and broad shoulders.

Kimmi, being the tallest, concentrated on the small yellow dots she painted on Haruka's face. The queen's nose was scrunched as if she was ticklish.

Michiru let out a satisfied sigh yet, her moment of admiration to the queen was cut short when a deep yet feminine voice filled the damp air of the night.

Surprised by the harmonic and lyrical voice, Michiru turned to find no other than Yui, standing near the large fire, eyes closed, mouth open as she sang.

As if on cue, the musicians who were deep in conversation with Michiru settled on their place and joined in Yui's beautiful voice with their instruments.

The booming of the drums echoed throughout the settlement and into the night sky, accompanied by the shirelles of the violins. Michiru could feel herself being swept by the rhythm as well as the people around her. Children and young couples began to clap their hands, joining in the celebration.

With a weary gaze, Michiru watched them all stand from the tree logs and began to dance around the fire, circling over it over and over again. The music was so different from the one played at the Festivals of the Moons. So distinctively Neptunian. Shuddering in a breath, Michiru's skin goosebumped, and she couldn't help but close her eyes and dive into the rich song which carried the story of a sailor and his priced treasures. As the minutes passed, Michiru felt as if she was being pulled and pulled with the sounds of the upcoming raging sea inside of her. Her heart beat with the drums, and her hands began a slow dance of waves and raging wind.

With a sigh, she stood from her seat and watched as the circle of her people, her people laughed and danced around the fire, and just like that, she jumped into the ring, grabbed a youngster's hand, and let herself be dragged into the laughter and joyful words of the song.

Her feet moved on their own accord; her hands slipped from hand to hand as she was passed around the couples. All she could see was a sea of aqua blue hair, with different shades, different textures. As she closed her eyes again, letting herself be enveloped by the music, her hand was captured by a rough and calloused hand. She opened her eyes and stared into cobalt orbs that looked at her adoringly. Yui continued her song, her voice quivering as if she was holding something back.

Michiru noticed the spark of lust still permanent in those eyes, she saw the longing in them, but she also saw the power and a burning need to protect which made her gasp in a mouthful of air before she was released back into the crowd.

Yui's voice filled her head, and the images of the song played out in her mind as if she had lived that. As if she had traveled from island to island on large boats. She pulled back and took a step away from the joyous crowd, only to turn and see a blonde, covered in different dots of colorful paint, clapping her hands with the same rhythm of the drums.

The children were paying attention to the music, clapping along and singing.

"I shall take away your canvas!" Michiru announced, moving to grab hold of Haruka's hand and pulling her up. Haruka's eyes widened at the sudden contact, but Michiru washed away all doubt when she pulled her in and whispered to her ear. "Dance with me."

Haruka's face relaxed instantly when she knew who was the one holding her. She gave Michiru an awkward smile before shrugging her colorful yet bare shoulders. "I can't—"

"You can," Michiru interjected. Close your eyes, let go. I got you." I got you. Michiru swallowed hard, her gaze fixated on Haruka's nervous features, but then, the blonde nodded.

"I trust you." She whispered, her hand sneaking over Michiru's waist, pulling their bodies dangerously and intimately close, unaware of curious gazes thrown their way.

"I trust you with my life." Haruka said, pressing her forehead to Michiru's, smudging some yellow paint on Michiru's skin.

The musicians slapped the palm of their hand harder against the drums' leather; the violinist picked up the pace, and Yui's voice sounded over all of them as she harmonized beautifully.

Now, the tired dancers moved away and left the rest of the dancefloor for the couples. And Michiru didn't waste a second to drag Haruka in the circle. Haruka stumbled once, maybe twice, but as Michiru led her with the rest of the dancers, she got the rhythm down, closed her eyes, and began to laugh as their movement got faster, more euphoric.

Michiru moved back and twirled the tall blonde before being snatched away by a young and beautiful girl. Before she could say anything, she was pulled into a strong and tall body. Michiru looked up and saw a handsome man smiling down at her before he twirled her away into the arms of a middle-aged woman. Michiru turned back; Haruka was now dancing with a man and then shoved to dance with a young girl. Something inside Michiru stirred when she saw Haruka dancing with someone else, laughing so freewheeling. She was moved to the arms of yet another man and then to a young woman. She never stopped looking at Haruka as she danced and jumped from dancer to dancer.

Finally, Michiru saw Haruka moving closer. This time, she will not let go of the queen, her queen. She reached to capture the blonde's hands, and when she did, she was enveloped with a distinctive warmth beginning to rise from her chest through her neck and up her face and at last settled on her forehead. The heat was a welcoming change to the cold night, and so, her eyes drifted shut as she relished in that warmth spreading through her entire body. Haruka wrapped her strong arms around her, unconcerned by the questioning gazes.

Michiru melted in the strong embrace, taking in Haruka's peculiar scent, her nose tenderly nuzzling Haruka's broad shoulders. She pulled away enough to look up at Haruka, whose hooded eyes seemed to be looking down at her with a tenderness that made her heart ache.

And then, Michiru heard a gasp.

The music suddenly stopped, and Yui's voice died in her throat as a ragged breath escaped her.

When Michiru opened her eyes, there was no one dancing. Everyone was staring at her with wide eyes, slacked jaws, and one or two elders' eyes were stained with upcoming tears…

Thereupon, she noticed the steady beaming of a blue light emanating from herself…

"Princess! Our princess! She is here! Blessed be Poseidon!" Someone in the crowd hollered.

Michiru looked up at Haruka, whose beautiful face was adorned with dots upon dots of yellow paint and now reflected a shine of blue light.

Michiru took a step back; her hands trembled with both fear and excitement. She turned to her side; Coljar was sitting not far away, looking at her as if she was the most beautiful deity amongst all. She grabbed a small mirror he held, probably to show Haruka how she looked, but alas, there was no use for it. Michiru took it in her shaking hands and moved it until she could look at her reflection…

On her forehead, the steady beam of the Neptunian God shone through in the form of the trident. On instinct, Michiru grabbed Haruka's forearm, smudging the paint. "Haruka." She called to her, but Haruka was too lost in her own world to even acknowledge her. "Haruka."

Haruka's yellow orbs moved about as if she was searching for a way to see what the commotion was about.

"Who are they calling out for?" the blonde finally asked until realization fell on her face, and the excitement that shone through turned into something Michiru couldn't quite grasp. "It is you, isn't it?"

"The symbol…" Michiru whispered, pulling herself closer to Haruka. "It's on my forehead… it's shining I—"

"You are the lost princess?" Haruka's throat moved as she swallowed hard.

Michiru did the same, swallowing the only logical answer, but when she opened her mouth to speak, she felt a strong grip on her elbows. As she turned, she found Yui's questioning gaze on her once again. Michiru searched into Yui's eyes for an answer, but as well, the beam of the Neptunian symbol draped Yui with a soft blue hue. The woman fell on her knees, grabbed Michiru's trembling hands, and pressed her lips to them.

Suddenly, and in deafening silence, everyone around Michiru lowered themselves to their knees… everyone except for Haruka. The queen of Uranus looked lost in her chaos, and little by little, she moved away from Michiru, bumping into the kneeling Neptunians until she was away from the crowd and heading back to the House of Arago.